When the Gospel is preached, there is a temptation both for the preacher and the hearer. The preacher is tempted to manipulate people through his skill and personality. The listener is tempted to follow particular preachers or styles and base their faith on the presentation more than on the Spirit. The preacher has a dilemma. He must speak boldly and be engaging enough to have listeners without attracting followers for their own reputation. The listener must be willing to place themselves under the discipleship of a minister without becoming a follower of the minister instead of a follower of Christ.
Paul commends the Thessalonians for being truly converted and laboring faithfully in Christ. Paul sees himself as their spiritual father who led them to their Heavenly Father. He worked hard for them, and now they are working hard for Christ.
That is how church is supposed to work.
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